‘Navarino Challenge 2017’: Program of Exciting Sports Activities Announced

People of all ages are invited to participate in the upcoming three-day sports event “Navarino Challenge”, taking place October 13-15 in Costa Navarino, Messinia.

In its fifth year, the multi-awarded event is comprised by 17 activities in total, aiming to promote the Olympic Spirit and Ideal, and Fair Play through the participation of role-model athletes.

Program

Swimming, Kids’ Athletics and more

Swimming at Navarino Challenge. Photo by Vangelis Patsialos

On Saturday, October 14, participants will join a non-competitive open water swimming race (10:00am) at the Bay of Navarino. Starting from the picturesque port of Pylos, participants will cover a 1-mile (1.6 km) swimming route, designed by the Federal Technical Coach of Swimming, Nikos Gemelos.

SUP at Navarino Challenge. Photo by Loukas Hapsis

At 10:30am, Kids’ Athletics will take place at the Pylos town square, joined by the event ambassador Periklis Iakovakis, Olympic & World Champion at 400m hurdles. Kids’ Athletics has been developed and set in place by a special panel of scientists from IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federation) and is organized in Greece by the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) in cooperation with the Ministry of Education.

For the second consecutive year, “Navarino Challenge” has included the Stand Up Paddling demonstration race by BIC® Sport (at 11:30am at Pylos port), with the support of Surf Salad, water sports at Costa Navarino.

The day will conclude with a demonstration of Optimist and Laser boats (at 12:30pm) from the Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor” with the assistance of the Sailing Club of Kalamata “Poseidon” and the Sailing Club of Kalamata “Eolos” with the assistance of the Municipality Pylos-Nestor, the Port Authority of Pylos, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development and Explore Messinia.

A Night to Remember by Qatar Airways

Photo by Elias Lefas

Saturday will come to a close by Qatar Airways, the event’s official airline partner. The airline will hold the gala dinner “A Night to Remember by Qatar Airways” for guests and participants staying at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino. The event will also honor athletes who have been distinguished for their ethics and contribution to sport. The distinct gifts and awards of the Gala are created once again by Apia store in Costa Navarino.

Half-marathon, running and dynamic walking

Running at Navarino Challenge. Photo by Loukas Hapsis

On Sunday, October 15, participants will join the half-marathon (21.1km), 10km (joint start time at 08:15am), and 5km (running and dynamic walking – start time 08:30am) routes, while the 1km running route for children (9:30am) will also take place. The race will be timed for all runners.

Accommodation – Extra events

The Westin Resort Costa Navarino

For those wishing to stay at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, a full program of events is included in their stay, with activities such as taekwondo (by the twice silver Olympic medalist Alexandros Nikolaidis), Kids’ Athletics (with the Olympic and World Champion Periklis Iakovakis), boccia (with the Gold Paralympic athlete Grigoris Polychronidis), climbing and bike ride at Voidokilia beach (supported by Navarino Outdoors), pilates (with the PE instructor specialized in pilates Mandy Persaki), basketball, golf (supported by the Navarino Golf Academy) kick boxing (with the champion Alexandros Nikolaidis), baby swimming and aqua aerobic (supported by Swim Academy), tennis cross training (supported by Navarino Racquet Academy) and boxing (supported by Vizantinos target sport club). More information about the available accommodation packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino are available here.

Registration for “Navarino Challenge” is still open! To register, complete the form here.

“Navarino Challenge” attracts new supporters

Photo by Elias Lefas

The event will be supported for the first time by official sponsor Sportingbet, one of the world’s leading online gaming companies. “We are very pleased to support such a great sport event such as Navarino Challenge… Sportingbet is distinguished for its dynamism, energy to achieve goals, passion for sport, which are also found at Navarino Challenge,” said Giannis Kapodistrias on behalf of Sportingbet. “We are very proud of the fact that Navarino Challenge promotes the benefits of exercise and balanced nutrition and raise awareness regarding childhood obesity”.

Samsung will join the event for the first time as the official technology partner, with the eco-system of Samsung Galaxy devices. Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+, combined with the camera Gear 360 and Gear VR, will enrich the experience of participants and spectators alike, with unique 360° content.

Photo by Elias Lefas

The pasta brand Melissa also joins this year’s event, promoting the message about the benefits of the Mediterranean nutrition and the balanced Mediterranean diet, as the official nutrition supporter.

The official sponsors of “Navarino Challenge” include “Vikos” natural mineral water and Ford Motor Hellas and official supporters include BIC, BIC Sport, Wyndham Grand Athens, Poseidonia and Surf Salad. National Geographic is the strategic TV partner of “Navarino Challenge”.

“Navarino Challenge” will be held under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization with the co-organization of Costa Navarino, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and Active Media Group and the support of the Municipalities of Pylos-Nestor and Trifilia.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is a media sponsor of the 5th “Navarino Challenge”.